TRIDENT ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES & TECHNOLOGIES TECHNICAL PAGES Soil Damage and Solutions along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, after Hurricane Katrina Written by John Wear We continue to organize our thinking, sharing ideas about what happened to soil and roots of trees along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We keep repeating the fact that the hurricanes brought a significantly damaging mix of amendments from the Gulf of Mexico and deposited many tons of contaminants on yards, gardens, and beautifully landscaped public areas. Our home and adjacent parcels in Gulfport, one block off the beach, received a strong wave-surge, bringing with it deposits of Cl, Na, S, Mg, K and Ca. From our notes which developed through over five years of sampling soil, sand, and Gulf of Mexico waters, we believe that a reasonable scientific estimate of Gulf water pH is 8.3 to 8.5. Soil pH has risen from a root-friendly 5 to 6, to above 6, even to as high as 8 in some locations. This rise in soil pH is causing live oaks to lose canopy fullness. The higher pH is even more harmful to magnolia trees, azaleas, and other woody plants. (Please keep in mind that each numerical point measure of pH equals many times the intensity of effect; ie, a pH change from 7.0 to 8.0 will result in a damaging effect to plants which require a pH no higher than 7.0 for healthy growth. The one point pH change can cause plants to cease growth and can lead to structural weakening and death of the root system and the entire plant.) Further example: A soil pH change from 6.0 to 6.5 (which may not seem to be much), is change enough to damage any plants requiring the lower pH, (5.0 to 6.0), to maintain health and to survive. We apply a carefully designed humic acid product to revive trees and other plants As we have noticed, present growth along much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is challenging. Where soil humus is not being allowed or not being forced to stabilize, root growth and health continues to suffer. Our appeal to local officials and professionals who are in the landscaping and growing professions remains focused upon encouraging the individuals and groups responsible, to apply ample amounts of high humus compost. In recent soil tests along the Gulf Coast, salt content levels as high as 7.3% have been recorded. This is much higher than the "allowable" or safe limit of 2.3%. The tests show more than three times safe saturation. Such damaged soil needs healing. Plant growth suffers without humus stabilization. Healthy growth does not happen where soil humus content is below 3 to 5 per cent. With high percentage humus applications, recovery becomes assured. Plants become productive where such recovery techniques are applied. Human health benefits, too. We strongly recommend the use of compost tea as a soil drench and as a spray to leaves and stems. It is a long known scientific fact, that soil replacement with soils which contain too much clay, without at least 5% stable humus content, can inhibit root extension and may even discourage the return of the beneficial burrowing earthworms. Beneficial soil microorganisms are drawn to the compost amendments and to soil where active aerobic compost tea is used enthusiastically. Soil healing is therefore more certain. Life must be returned to severely damaged soil. Tree roots should be washed clean. The compost tea is an excellent "medication" for this purpose. The root environs must be brought to a beneficial pH. A beneficial soil environment must be achieved and maintained. Contaminating salt impact will be corrected by applying humification techniques and natural energy releasing substances prepared with soil and plant healing as focus. The information provided below, reveals what we estimate to be the salt related chemical content of waters of the Gulf of Mexico, along 26 miles of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Quantities given in mg/liter NOTE: Cl......19,000 Na......10,500 S............2,600 Mg.........1,350 Ca.............400 K................380 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Humus and Root Hairs Written by John Wear Roots need abundant root hairs to be able to appropriately absorb nutrients and moisture from soil. The root hairs do important work in providing an energy maintaining diet and health to plants. By the process of osmosis, nutrients enter the root hairs and continue to move into the plant. This happens so long as soil moisture content and balanced nutrient energy are maintained in the root zone. Stable humus in soil makes it possible for the important process of osmosis to function efficiently. Adding high-quality humus to the topsoil profile improves the soil's ability to serve the plant. High humus content compost will improve soil physics, soil chemical characteristics, and biological values will improve, causing the soil media to be alive with nutrients and abundant beneficial microorganisms. The exudates of microorganisms, (nitrosomas, nitrobacter, arthrobotrys, actinomycetes), in well made compost represent fixed nutrients, providing highest quality plant stimulation. Mychorrizae, a beneficial fungus, extends root-feeding capabilities. As we blend well made compost into soil, polyphenolic compounds from composted plant material are released to assure soil health. By employing wise composting techniques and correct application rates, sure defenses develop. Soil becomes well fed. Plants become energized and healthy. When plant roots are healthy and strong, they are able to anchor plants substantially. Well-anchored plants are able to stand strong against many forces which can be damaging. Roots well established in composted soil are much better able to absorb moisture and nutrients, even in drought conditions. Compost brings strength to our plants. Composted high humus soil allows root structures, both the clumped roots, (the bunched type of roots), and the tap roots, to extend and to spread. With this enhanced ease of movement within the soil mass, root hairs become prolific. Highly important root hair development can continue to enable the plant feeding process of osmosis to energize the plants, so long as a healthy soil life is maintained. Root hair development and function depends upon properly balanced organic chemical presence in the surrounding soil. Soils fed premium quality compost, high in humus content and well endowed with a balance of major nutrients and micro nutrients, will not require chemical amendments or synthetic fertilizer fixes. The stabilizing of humus in composted soils provides water and nutrient holding values. Humus has excellent water and nutrient maintaining capacity which assures that soil food will be available over rather long periods of time, to be used by plants. Humus gradually dissipates or gets used up. Season to season, high quality organic matter should be replaced with well made compost, to ensure humus stability and resulting abundant root hair development. ===================================================================================== MICROBES, METHODS, SCIENCE (Soil physics, soil biology, and soil chemistry) By John Wear Day by day, millions of gardeners and growers of most kinds of crops are avoiding synthetic stimulation of soil and plants, literally curing fertilizer-damaged soil by applying organic products and methods. Soil in which we conscientiously maintain stable humus will be healthy soil. Our efforts devoted to "organic growing," are rewarded by building of soil which does not become compacted. Organically well-fed soil becomes healthy and energetic. Such well fed soil loses chemical dependency and becomes fun to work with. Any effort to continue synthetic stimulation of soil can have devastating effects. Working with chemical fertilizers can make us ill. Eventually, soil fed harsh chemicals becomes exhausted, compacted, and deprived of truly valuable nutrients. Developers of high quality composts, compost concentrates, and aerobic compost teas, contribute much to the rebuilding of rich healthy soil in at least three important ways: 1. We restore the tilth of soil, correcting soil physics. Our products can tighten silty and sandy soils which may seem too permeable to support dynamic plant growth. 2. Our soil builders can restore vital life-forces by improving soil biology. Time and experience proven methods we apply, ensure that microorganisms establish residence in the topsoil profile. Growth-stimulating micro flora, yeasts, and beneficial fungi provide values to the root-zone. 3. Soil chemistry is amended positively by the addition of well balanced organic nutrients. We add humus and humic acid as our organic amendments are applied. Naturally occurring humus and humic acid continue to develop, as the naturally metabolizing tribes of microorganisms are nurtured by the application of organic amendments. The organic plant stimulants and natural soil builders also support the growth, development, and continuing work of earthworms, the "intestines of the soil." SUMMARY To reinforce and to simply state our focus: we are revealing a sure method for a great escape from the chemical dependency experienced in most current popular methods applied to fertilizing food crops, turf grasses, gardens, and greenhouse produce. Such methods seem to be rapidly losing popularity. The reasons why these much over-used chemical methods are less popular are clear. Basically, the harsh fertilizers cause damage to people, to plants, and to soil. When synthetic plant stimulation is avoided, fertility building costs are minimal because natural efficiencies become established. With organic methods and products, damage to soil and to plants becomes much less likely. We have proven, on many occasions, that our organic methods and products bring healing to damaged soil. Premium quality compost, compost concentrate, and specially designed aerobic compost teas are available and affordable. High quality aerobic organic products heal the soil, feed the plants, and improve soil physics. Well made active aerobic compost tea can enhance soil biological values and help to maintain beneficial soil chemical balance. --END-- ================================================================================================================== ================= ==================================== In the Change from "ORGANIC RESIDUES" to "HUMIC ACID," What Happens? by John Wear, 18 Feb. 2007 (This paper developed from research I started 6/89, added to 6/93, and 7/93) I appreciate assistance and advice I received from Dr. She Kong Chong, and others at Southern Illinois University; from professors and staff at Cornell University, from professional colleagues at the Bushland Experiment Station, Bushland, Texas, Professors and Staff at Tarleton University in Stephenville, Texas, from various users of product who reported observations, from professional golf course superintendants across the US, especially Pete Ferguson, Kokopelli Golf Club and Jack Litvey at St. Louis Country Club, the professional staff at Jack Nichlaus' 100th course Las Campanas at Santa Fe New Mexico, and from skilled composters in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains: Fletcher Sims, Robert Diller, and the Birkenfeld Family) IN MY OPINION, THE FOLLOWING 5 FACTS ARE IMPORTANT: (CALL ME AND WE CAN DISCUSS THE TIMING CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED IN THE 5 STAGES) 1. THE BENEFICIAL MICROBES BEGIN TO EAT AND DIGEST THE TARGET ORGANIC MATTER Using a Trident Environmental Services & Technologies-approved compost or humus product as example of the subject organic matter, by product, or processed residue, we have discovered that the first step toward development of beneficial humic acid is, the degradation by microbes. 2. DIGESTION OF THE ORGANIC MATTER LEADS TO RELEASE OF BENEFICIAL SUBSTANCES As the microbes, of various tribes, break down the select organic matter, we find acids, sugars, and a variety of simple organic compounds. Continued examination reveals beneficial substances. We have not identified all the benefits, but improved soil and plant health and hardiness are observed every time we have applied these methods. 3. CHANGES CONTINUE. AUTOLYSIS HAPPENS AND ENERGY IS RELEASED Next in line of metabolism or changes, comes the development of microbial cells through microbial synthesis. In this change stage, accomplished first by thermophilic and then by mesophilic bacteria, peptides and amino acids develop from the decomposition process. We observe autolysis of microbial cells. Continuing through changes, energy is released. The decomposition process releases energy. 4. METHOXYPHENOLS DEVELOP. DECOMPOSITION IS RAPID AND EXCELLENT COMPOST IS BEING MADE AT THIS STAGE Plant matter, the foundational material for the basic compost concentrate we are considering, contains plant polyphenolic compounds. In the continuing development of my version of compost, methoxyphenols develop early in the first stages of the rotting, as composting starts. 5. AT THE POINT IN PROGRESS I CALL "STAGE 5," HIGH LEVELS OF VALUE DEVELOP IN THE COMPOST. AT THIS STAGE, IT IS ALMOST READY TO USE AS SOIL FOOD AND ACTIVE AEROBIC COMPOST TEA BASE MATERIAL. Next, the intermediate phenols develop and we begin to see more beneficial acids, sugars, and simple organic compounds which we identify as monohydroxyphenols, dihydroxyphenols, and trihydroxyphenols, among the list of aromatic compounds. Hydroxybenzoquinanes participate in development of even more beneficial microbial cells. Polymerization takes place and humic acid forms. With these factors in place, one need not search for humates and humic acid to buy as "unit applications." "It's all here!" The balanced diet is in ROOTZONE HUMUS! Gardeners, agricultural growers, golf course developers and superintendents do not have to apply commercial, chemical, synthetic fertilizers to soil and plants. We make possible the "good humus" methods which are truly successful methods guaranteeing sustainability and excellent health for soil, plants, and the people working with the soil and plants. HERE ARE GOOD FACTS TO REMEMBER: The active free phenols do not allow life to some turf-damaging types of fungi. Plant-aggressive nemtatodes are controlled. Mole crickets and other such vectors are controlled when used as hosts by beneficial nematodes and beneficial fungi. Humic acids can have positive use in treating agricultural waters to solve salt problems, or waters which may have been contaminated by quantities of ag wastes, including types of manure. Presence of cadmium, lead, and other contaminants often impact rivers, lakes, and streams, from farms, municipal sites, and industry. Jackson says: "Although chelation is the major mechanism of reaction between humic acids and lead, exchange reactions and surface adsorption are also of high priority. Humic substances provide excellent sorption surfaces. The particle size of polymers varies with pH." (Organic Soil Conditioning, p. 761) Considering the compost tea we make, I believe it can be called an inhibitor of fungal and mold damage to most turf cultivars and to vegetable and grain crops. Apparently, the phenols which develop in thoroughly finished "compost concentrate" limit and displace bad fungi. The plant-damaging fungi stop growing. Competition against damaging fungi prevents the damaging fungal development. Beneficial fungi are not affected because of natural symbiosis. The compost tea continues to solve the fungus problems on golf greens and on our test plots. We noticed some fungus control capabilities of the liquid from hydrocyclone solids separation at dairy locations, but the effect of that liquid was not as sure or as effective as this very active and aerobic compost tea. Our process is a more complete recipe. We also add an amendment which perpetuates aeration and remediates any resulting hydrogen sulfide and methane. Finally, we notice no inhibitions toward beneficial fungi or beneficial microorganisms. Tree recoveries indicate that the beneficial fungi in ROOTZONE HUMUS increase energy values in tree varieties where storm damage interrupted health and growth of trees along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. With our processes, the "beneficial critters" all seem to thrive, benefiting soil and providing energy to roots of trees, turf grasses, food crops, and other beneficial growing plants. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Wear has provided the above information, and is responsible for the content appearing on the pages of this web site. John Wear is the president of TRIDENT ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED |
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| Example of a very basic yet beneficial tea made from fine-ground "yard waste." Such teas have value as growth- stimulating and protective organic amendments. |
| Not active, aerobic compost tea, but... |
| Storm surge removed top soil from yards and public landscaped areas. |
Tons of topsoil replaced, a continuing need is to amend organic matter to the added soil. |
| Another trailer load of excellent humus! 40 pound bags and well screened. Highly aerobic and energetic! WE DELIVER |
| Our front yard has received only compost feedings and spot treatment using compost tea made on site. No chemical or commercially manufactured fertilizers were used to bring health to the soil profile. Active aerobic compost tea was fed to the roots of stressed grass. Tea was sprayed on trouble spots once each month, through the summer. We fed tree roots and garden plants with our active, aerobic compost tea.. |
| Is it possible to grow grass in shady places? It is possible. Some types of grass, some cultivars, do well in shade. Even the Bermuda grass growing under trees in my west side-yard, grows fairly well. Coverage is a bit thinner under the tree canopy, but loosening the soil and feeding compost concentrate helps. I also continued once a month spraying and spot treatment with active aerobic compost tea. |
| These healthy colorful flowers grew fine without fertilizer amendments. The soil was prepared with compost concentrate. Stabilized humus developed in the well fed beds. Once a month spraying of compost tea, kept the plants healthy, even through they experienced several weeks of hot dry, windy summer weather. |
| Saltwater damage to roots, can kill this live oak tree. Compost tea root wash and applying compost concentrate into replacement soil, can quickly improve tree health. |
| It is important to keep the soil environment very friendly to earthworms. Compost, compost concentrate, and active aerobic compost tea can help to maintain a balanced soil pH, and can provide nutrient values. |
| The pH of our active aerobic compost tea maintains a range from about 6.2 to 7.2. |
| ROOTZONE HUMUS, with its balance of nutrients, lower pH, excellent CEC, and soil aeration capabilities can help us stimulate new growth in severely damaged live oak trees. |
| ROOTZONE HUMUS, excellent nutrient balance, helps us provide reliable recovery diets for damaged trees and for new plantings. We also use ROOTZONE to feed greens, tee boxes and fairways on golf courses where environmentally friendly methods are becoming very important. |
| TRIDENT and LOFCO, working to energize damaged live oaks and magnolias along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We work with existing, damaged trees and we are involved in replanting. Energetic new trees are available. ROOTZONE HUMUS helps us succeed. |
| Reliable "brownfields"remediation. We provide humus to achieve remediation and EPA compliance. |
| Part of the urban forest, Soho, NYC, NY. |
| Another look at the urban forest NYC. |
| Trident Environmental Services & Technologies John Wear, Consultant |
Technical Papers Page
| Will fills the spreader hopper from a one ton bag of ROOTZONE HUMUS for application in Pass Christian, Ms. |
| CLICK ON PHOTO FOR CLOSEUP |
| ROOTZONE HUMUS is a true organic, aerobic, nutrient balanced, alive with beneficial bacteria and fungi, humic acid containing, mucigel and glomalin containing and producing, non-salt-damaging, leachate-safe, water and soil condition improving soil and plant food. ROOTZONE HUMUS is a safer and better choice as product to use for fertility building. ROOTZONE CONTAINS: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Zinc and other ingredients important to soil nutrient balancing and plant sustainability. |
| New development properties need a finishing surface application of ROOTZONE HUMUS before turf is applied, before trees are planted, and before the landscaping starts. We are able to save developers thousands of dollars by assuring sustainability. |
